Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America announced last week that its second production vehicle will be the all-electric 2026 IONIQ 9 three-row SUV. The IONIQ 9 will be the first all-new Hyundai model to be assembled at the Metaplant in Ellabell.

In June, Metaplant officials announced that the first production vehicle would be the 2025 IONIQ 5, an updated version of the EV. 

“We are thrilled to start building the all-new IONIQ 9 at the Metaplant,” said Oscar Kwon, HMGMA CEO. “Every new vehicle we build brings an enhanced level of excitement for our Meta Pros, but to see the expansion of the acclaimed IONIQ lineup being manufactured locally is particularly special. As the only facility to build IONIQ 9s in North America, our Meta Pros will take pride in knowing every time they see the vehicle on the roadway in the U.S. that they took part in it being made.”

Also on Nov. 21, a fully built IONIQ 9 was revealed at AutoMobility LA 2024, in Los Angeles, while simultaneously being unveiled at AutoNation Hyundai in Savannah.

2026 IONIQ 9 production starts in Q1, 2025, and the SUV will go on sale in Q2. IONIQ 9 is expected to qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit thanks to U.S. assembly and battery sourcing. 

The Metaplant will produce Hyundai, Genesis and Kia electrified vehicles. Additional vehicle models will continue to be announced as the Metaplant ramps up to full production status.